Conversely

/ˈkɒnvɜːslɪ/

adverbIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

In an opposite way; in reverse.

/ˈkɒnvɜːslɪ/

adverbneutralIntermediate
General

Used to introduce a statement that is the opposite of one that has just been made or referred to.

Exercise increases blood flow; conversely, a sedentary lifestyle decreases it.

💡 Simply: It's like saying 'the other way around'. If John likes apples, conversely, Mary probably likes oranges!

👶 For kids: It means the opposite. Like, if it's daytime, conversely, at night it's dark!

More Examples

2

Some people love the outdoors; conversely, others prefer indoor activities.

3

The new policy is expected to boost sales; conversely, it might reduce profits in the short term.

How It's Used

General

"He prefers coffee; conversely, she prefers tea."

Logic

"If A then B; conversely, if B then A (though not always true)."

Idioms & expressions

vice versa

Used to indicate that the reverse of what has just been stated is also true.

"Husbands and wives often influence each other's habits; vice versa."

From Latin *conversus* (turned around) + -ly.

Used since the 16th century, derived from the Latin adverb *conversē*.

Memory tip

Think of 'reverse' or 'opposite'. If one thing is true, the other is too.

converslyconversiley

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written